Two-year-old Brayden Malek’s face lit up when his attempt to feed the porcupine succeeded at USI’s Day at the Zoo on Saturday.
The critter took a nut out of the boy’s hand, and he shouted, “Awesome!”
USI’s Alumni Association hosted the annual event at Mesker Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens to create an atmosphere full of family fun while connecting alumni with current students, as well as reconnecting alumni with USI.
Attendees were encouraged to participate by making crafts and enjoying the animal encounters.
Members of the USI’s Student Alumni Association helped assist children making crafts.
The kids tried their hand at making pinecone birdfeeders, animal masks and animal puppets.
From 11 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 2:30 p.m. the zoo staff brought out animals for families to interact with.
Some of the animals included a bearded dragon, snakes, parrots and a turtle.
Typically, the event takes place outdoors, but due to unfavorable weather conditions, the activities were relocated indoors to the Discovery Center.
“I’m very pleased with the turnout. Even though it’s cold, it’s nice to see so many people. I think the high today is only 47 and they still came out and bundled up their kids. It’s great,” said Nancy Johnson, director of Alumni and Volunteer Services.
Many of USI’s alumni base is around the Tri-State area and the majority of them are young and love to take their children to the zoo, Johnson said.
Johnson saw the event as a great opportunity to reach out to the alumni.
Eric Smith, a 2005 graduate, said this was his third time attending the event.
“Watching the kids with the animals and having a petting zoo is pretty neat,” Smith said.
Others enjoyed the social aspect of the event.
“I know a lot of faculty and former students I like bumping into out here,” said Dane Partridge, a member of USI’s faculty who teaches in the College of Business.
For the most part though, those who came out really enjoyed being able to spend time with their children.
Brayden Malek’s mother, Ellie Malek, who graduated from USI last summer, was beaming as she watched her son interact with the porcupine.
“It’s amazing to see him really enjoying the animals first-hand and getting that experience and it not just being from Dora (the Explorer).”